B1 Carna School London
Reading Quiz
A long-read comprehension check — one passage, then questions on main idea, detail and inference, closing with vocabulary in context.
CEFR A2 · ELEMENTARY
English at A2, the elementary level.
A2 is the elementary level of English on the CEFR scale: you handle routine tasks and short social chats in simple words.
Can-do lines from the Council of Europe's own grid Hours are commonly cited ranges, not a Carna figure In Carna for Schools, assigned work wears its level
CEFR A2, Elementary
Band A · Basic user
- active words
- ~1,000
- guided hours from zero
- 180–200
The word count is a typical estimate. The hours are a commonly cited range, not a Carna measurement.
The step, with its neighbours
- A1, Beginner: 90–100 guided hours
- A2, Elementary: 180–200 guided hours
- B1, Intermediate: 350–400 guided hours
— WHAT YOU CAN DO
What does the A2 English level mean?
A2 is the elementary level of English, the second of six levels on the CEFR scale. At A2 you can handle simple, routine tasks. You can describe your background and daily life in simple words. Reaching A2 usually takes about 180 to 200 guided learning hours in total.
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Listening
Understand phrases and the most common words about you and your family, shopping, your local area and work. Catch the main point of short, clear messages and announcements.
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Reading
Read very short, simple texts. Find the facts you need in everyday things like adverts, menus and timetables. Understand short, simple personal letters.
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Speaking
Handle short social chats and simple, routine tasks that need a direct exchange of information. Describe your family, other people, where you live, your studies and your job in simple words.
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Writing
Write short, simple notes and messages about things you need now. Write a very simple personal letter, for example to thank someone.
These can-do lines follow the Council of Europe's self-assessment grid.
Not sure A2 is your level? See how an English level test finds yours.
— WHERE A2 SITS
A2 on the scale.
Each bar is the commonly cited range of guided hours to reach a level, counted from zero, so each level includes the hours before it. A2 keeps its colour. Open any step to read its guide.
- A1, Beginner: 90–100 guided hours
- A2, Elementary: 180–200 guided hours
- B1, Intermediate: 350–400 guided hours
- B2, Upper-Intermediate: 500–600 guided hours
- C1, Advanced: 700–800 guided hours
- C2, Proficient: 1,000+ guided hours
Commonly cited guided-learning-hour ranges, not a Carna measurement. Open a level for what it means in practice.
Compare all six CEFR levels in one table, with the guided hours and the IELTS band for each.
— IN CARNA TODAY
The same scale, on the screen.
Carna for Schools runs on the CEFR scale today: assigned work shows its level on the card, and so do the books in the student's library. The individual tutor is in early access.
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CARNA FOR SCHOOLS · LIVE TODAY
Every card names its level.
A student's Learn screen lists the work the teacher assigned, with the soonest due first. Each module shows its CEFR level on the cover.
A student's Learn screen in Carna for Schools. Carna School London is a sample school; the courses, levels and dates are demo data.
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CARNA FOR SCHOOLS · LIVE TODAY
Books with their level on the cover.
Each reader a school publishes shows its CEFR level on the cover. So students can read at their own level.
A student's Library in Carna for Schools. Carna School London is a sample school; the books and levels are demo data.
— FIND YOUR LEVEL
Not sure where you stand?
A placement test scores each skill separately, because reading and speaking are rarely at the same level. Carna Test is the assessment platform from Carna, on its own site.
Also from Carna
Carna Test
A three-section placement test (CPT) and a five-section adaptive test with speaking and writing (CAET), on carnatest.com.
Find your level on carnatest.com (opens in a new tab)FAQ
Questions about A2.
How long it takes, what it lets you do, and how A2 compares.
How long does it take to go from A1 to A2?
Reaching A2 takes about 180 to 200 guided hours in total. That is roughly 90 to 100 more hours after A1. Short, regular sessions usually get you there sooner than a few long ones.
What can I do at A2 level?
At A2 you can handle short social chats and describe your background and where you live. You can also do routine tasks that need a simple, direct exchange of information.
Is A2 enough to travel?
A2 covers most basic travel needs, such as ordering food, asking the way and simple shopping. For longer conversations, and to cope with the unexpected, B1 is the next big step.
Sources
- COUNCIL OF EUROPEThe CEFR Levels
The six levels, their three bands and the “can do” descriptions behind each level.
Carna is not affiliated with these organisations.
EARLY ACCESS
Want this level taught?
Carna's personal tutor is still on its way, so there is no individual sign-up yet. Join the early-access list and we will write to you when it opens. Schools and teams run on Carna today.